Brushing
Just as with people, brushing is the best way to keep the teeth and gums of pets healthy. Specially designed toothbrushes fit the unique contours of pointed animal teeth, as well as brush the front and back of the tooth all at once. There are also brushes that you can slip on your finger - a more clandestine approach for the wary animal who doesn't understand the importance of brushing.
Always use a tooth paste that is specially designed for pets. Human toothpaste is much too strong, and can do more harm than good. Plus, most pet toothpastes are flavored to help entice the animal to put up with the experience. You may not want to brush your teeth with ocean fish flavored paste, but to a cat, it's delightful!
Supplementation
You can add a food or water supplement to the diet of your pet that helps remove plaque and tartar.
Wysong Dentatreat is a powder that you sprinkle on your animal’s meal like Parmesan cheese. It contains pro-biotic bacteria that not only breaks down existing plaque and tartar, but builds a protective film over the teeth to prevent new tartar from forming.
Suzie’s makes a similar product, but in a liquid form that you add to your pet's drinking water. Both of these products are all natural and have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Treats
You can provide good oral hygiene to your pet with treats. Pedigree Dentastix are popular amongst dog owners, as their shape and texture forces a dog to chew vigorously, which scrapes away plaque and tartar.
Greenies have been a favorite of pets and their owners alike. All natural and full of vitamins, they also contain chlorophyll to get rid of bad breath. Available in sizes for all dogs, as well as for cats, Greenies are a great weapon to have in your animal’s dental care arsenal. A Greenie a day keeps The Doggie Dentist away.
There are many companies that make dental treats for pets. Find one that your pet likes and make it part of a regular oral hygiene routine.
Toys
They not only keep your pet entertained, but all that chewing scrapes away plaque and tartar. Nylabones are a mainstay in the industry, as well as Kong and Petstage. The later two also make toys for cats, which is nice, because as any cat owner will tell you, there are usually more chew toys geared towards dogs.
When choosing a toy to improve the dental health of your pet, find one that will be chewed regularly and often.
Nutrition
Speaking of chewing, Hill’s Science Diet makes dental diets that have extra large kibble so that your animal really has to chew to swallow them. Their dog and cat Oral Care lines are nutritionally complete, so dental health can be part of a balanced meal.
Royal Canin and Nutram also make very effective dental diets. Not only is the kibble specially designed to remove plaque and tartar, but contain natural compounds that help break down tartar once eaten by your animal.
In respects to healthy ingredients, these foods are at the top of the chain.
Remember to bring your animal to a vet for regular check-ups, especially if you see signs of tooth decay.
No matter which method you use to clean your pet’s teeth, one thing is certain: taking the dental health of your dog or cat into consideration will help ensure that the both of you enjoy many years of rewarding companionship and happiness.
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